Roofing installers are some of the hardest working people and they should be paid very well because of the risk associated with roofing. Some of the hazards would be from possibly falling off the roof or staging leading to possibly being paralyzed or worse even death. Now, do not get me wrong most roofers that I know are very aware of these issues, and do take great precautions to prevent falling from the roof, but it does happen.
For taking these hazardousous risk does pay a very nice wage or labor payment for installing roofing, homeowner's do not want to worry about having their homes destroyed from water damage and will pay for a quality job. Ask yourself this question "Would you be willing to pay more money for a quality job". Or would you want to keep repairing the roof, because it leaks from shoddy workmanship. If you're like most people you would have chosen paying more money for quality products and professional installation.
Roofers are very quick on their feet, and have fast hands and usually are in very good shape. Picture this, climbing up and down from a roof that is 20 'feet up in the air, and bringing 80-100 pound bundles of shingles up the ladder all day. Basically, you get paid to work-out all day long and at a very good wage. I know some of our roofing sub-contractors can take in several thousands of dollars a week, and that's every week during the summer months. Quality roofing sub-contractors will find the busiest roofing contractor in the area because there is always plenty of work. We have found if you work with, and help a new roofing crew get started or work with small roofing sub-contractors you can build a long term relationship that will last for years.
We do have some large roofing crews working for our company, and they do some of the highest quality roofing installations I have ever seen. These guys are great! I'm very proud of all the people we have working for the company. Now, let's get back to the topic of starting a roofing business and return on investment. For the cost of an insurance binder for liability insurance, placing an ad in the local paper, or placing an on-line advertisement, you can find these free ad websites and build a free or low cost website.
Once you get the phone call, set up your appointment. You will have to go and meet with the homeowners, to discuss the project. Bring product samples for them to look at, and help them choose the color of roof. Pick up a check or the payment for materials, place the order for the materials, then call your sub-contractors and schedule the roof installation.
The return for you after 2 to 3 +/- hours of work, depending on how much you really want to develop your business, could return you a $ 5,000 or $ 6,000 profit from a $ 12,000 roofing job. After you pay for the materials, and pay your roofing installation labor. You can do this without a high school diploma, without going to college, and having any school loan payments. Now in some states you may need a contractor's license for roofing (Test and Fee) A minimal investment.
What I heard from another guest speaker during a PRAC meeting for roofing contractors, is that a good roofing contractor can easily make as much money per year as any good doctor without having to go to school for 10 years, and having to pay an outrageous malpractice insurance policy, Do not get me wrong, I do appreciate all the good work that doctors do, and the great service they provide for all of us.
I started back in the 1980's without any money. I started buying tools and equipment from each job that I completed, always offering the best possible service, and asking for a reasonable amount of money so I could cover the cost of the materials and my overhead. After going through some tough times and over some addiction problems, I decided to start over 10 years ago, and build my roofing business so I can live comfortably. I have to say, 10 years of anything can change your life, but I can honestly say I did not expect this. Remember I was "broke" just about homeless, and living at my grandmothers. Last year in 2008 we had our biggest year in sales ever, over 3.8 million in sales in a recession. In the past 10 Years my company has generated over 22 Million Dollars in sales.